Speaking at the DRC Mining Week. Ivanhoe Mines’ Chief Operating Officer, has invited mining operators to invest more in mineral exploration than the acquisition of existing assets.
“The Congolese mining industry must be supported by a research and development branch that I call greenfield exploration. Only in this way will the DRC be able to build a strong and fluorescent mining industry, “ said Louis Watum.
According to analysts, no mining company like Ivanhoé Mines excels in this field of research.
Still in the exploration phase Ivanhoe Mines has already spent $ 1.4 billion for research and exploration. In this investment, 800 million invested in research for the Kamoa project and 400 million in exploration. The mining company plans to add $ 1 billion to the planned production phase in 2021.